Everton supporter groups have demanded urgent meetings with transport bosses regarding concerns about travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium – the club's new home.
As reported by Liverpool Echo, the Everton Fan Advisory Board and Everton Fans' Forum wish to discuss several issues and how the authorities can help resolve these.
Early concerns around Hill Dickinson Stadium travel
Three months into Everton's first season in the Hill Dickinson Stadium, issues around the accessibility of the Toffees' new home have become apparent. Road closures, parking restrictions and majorly increased congestion have caused frustration following the move to the Liverpool's docks.
The two fan groups have now confirmed a request for a meeting with Liverpool City Council, Merseytravel and Merseyside Police to “discuss transport and access around the stadium”, Liverpool Echo continues.
Particular focus includes efforts to ease concerns around lighting, pedestrian safety and access.
An Everton Fan Advisory Board statement confirmed that Liverpool City Council had acknowledged their request and work was ongoing to set up a discussion, while stating that: “We’re committed to working constructively to ensure the stadium and its surroundings serve supporters, residents and the wider city.”
How has Everton's transition from Goodison Park gone so far?
Aside from the above-highlighted transport and access concerns, it is tough to say anything other than the fact that the switch to the Hill Dickinson Stadium has been a success for Everton thus far.
The confirmation of the Toffees' switch from Goodison Park was met with an emotional response, with fans being a clear priority and the ground offering an atmosphere not often matched by other newer stadiums in the English leagues.
There were initial worries around fan queuing at turnstiles, with a transition to digital tickets far from smooth, but these appear to have eased, and Everton have won three of their six home Premier League games thus far in front of sell-out crowds.
The stadium also hosted its first non-football event in early November, being the venue for a Rugby League showdown between England and Australia.
FGG says: Teething issues bound to happen
The concerns arising in the first months of Everton's time at the Hill Dickinson are far from a surprise, with such issues often only becoming apparent when the venue is put to full use.
With supporters groups keen to get to the bottom of the issues and local authorities seemingly receptive for such talks, it appears positive steps can be taken quickly to remedy the situation for match-going fans and the surrounding area to further help the state-of-the-art new venue bed into the community.